[The clinical analysis of infection of the deep neck space with superior mediastinal abscess]

Objective:To study the etiology, presentation, diagnosis and treatment of infection of deep neck space with superior mediastinal infection in order to accumulate experience in clinical diagnosis and treatment.Method:We reviewed medical records of 15 patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infection with superior mediastinal infection and those who were hospitalized in Guizhou provincial people's hospital from Janurary 2011 to July 2015.The patients were screened retrospectively for demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms, laboratory examinations, imaging features, bacteriologies and etiologies. The treatment and outcomes of the patients were investigated.Result:In 15 patients, 7 cases（46.67%) were related to foreign body in esophagus, 3（20%) cases were related to peritonsillar abscess, 2（13.33%) cases who had diabetes with poor blood glucose control were related to exodontias, 3（20%) cases were related to unknown reasons. The serum CRP［(151.82±22.12)mg/L］ at the time of admission had a positive correlation with the time of hospitalization. The time of CRP decreased to normal range after admission ［(15.3±2.1)d］ were apparently related to the hospitalization time［(23.8±4.1)d］(r=0.79, P<0.01). The results of bacteria culture of 7 cases was positive(46.67%), 2 cases were infected by Klebsiella pneumoniae and 1 case was mixed with Escherichia coli, 2 cases were infected by the Streptococcus viridans infection, 2 cases were infected by Hemolytic streptococcus A group and B group, 1 case was infected by Staphylococcus Aureus. Appropriate antibiotics for organisms were given based on the results of culture identification and empiric therapy. The patients with abscesses were treated with cervical and superior mediastinal drainage. In 15 patients who were complex treatment, 4 patients including 2 patients with diabetes were succumbed to the disease （mortality is 26.67%）,11 patients were healed up(effective rate is 73.33%).Conclusion:The patients with deep neck space infection with superior mediastinal infection had rapid onset, rapid development and the patients with diabetes had high mortality. The patients should be analyzed in detail the history and clinical manifestations combined with imaging examination, bacterial culture and drug sensitive test and so on in order to determine the diagnosis. The patients should be cured with effective antibiotics and active surgical intervention.

[Evaluate the prevalence of trachoma in high risk area of China]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of trachoma in urban and rural area in China. To provide the data evidence for the strategies of eliminating trachoma in China.

METHODS

Survey was conducted in 13 suspect trachoma high prevalence provinces according to the World Health Organization trachoma grading system and Trachoma Rapid Assessment(TRA).

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2007, a total number of examined children which were younger than 10 years old was 59 630. The prevalence of TF was 0.94%. To sum up the data of 2004 and 2005, the prevalence of active trachoma was 1.71% for children.TT and CO was not reported. The results for subjects older than 50 years old showed that the prevalence of TT was 0.34%. We examined 26 857 adults in both 2004 and 2005.The prevalence of TF, TI, TS and CO was 0.03%,0.08%,0.88% and 0.05% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of active trachoma of younger children was under 5%. However,the prevalence of TT of the adults was not reached the target.

Cardiac failure of the twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence pump twin during the first-trimester: a case report

This article reports a case of prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis and monitoring of the twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence pump twin and describes progression of the disorder to a severe heart failure and fetal death. Genetic analyses were also performed for both fetuses by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).

First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot of Eucalyptus in China

Eucalyptus is widely planted in the tropics and subtropics, and it has become an important cash crop in Southern China because of its fast-growing nature. In the Guangxi Province of southern China, Eucalyptus is produced on approximately 2 million ha, and two dominant asexual clones, Guanglin No. 9 (E. grandis × E. urophylla) and DH3229 (E. urophylla × E. grandis), are grown. Diseases are an increasing threat to Eucalyptus production in Guangxi since vast areas are monocultured with this plant. In June 2013, a leaf spot disease was observed in eight out of 14 regions in the province on a total of approximately 0.08 million ha of Eucalyptus. Initially, the lesions appeared as water-soaked dots on leaves, which then became circular or irregular shaped with central gray-brown necrotic lesions and dark red-brown margins. The size of leaf spots ranged between 1 and 3 mm in diameter. The main vein or small veins adjacent to the spots were dark. The lesions expanded rapidly during rainy days, producing reproductive structures. In severe cases, the spots coalesced and formed large irregular necrotic areas followed by defoliation. The causal fungus was isolated from diseased leaves. Briefly, the affected leaves were washed with running tap water, sterilized with 75% ethanol (30 s) and 0.1% mercuric dichloride (3 min), and then rinsed three times with sterilized water. Small segments (0.5 to 0.6 cm²) were cut from the leading edge of the lesions and plated on PDA. The plates were incubated at 25°C for 7 to 10 days. When mycelial growth and spores were observed, a single-spore culture was placed on PDA and grown in the dark at 25°C for 10 days. A pathogenicity test was done by spraying a conidial suspension (5 × 10⁵ conidia ml^-1) of isolated fungus onto 30 3-month-old leaves of Guanglin No. 9 seedlings. The plants were covered with plain plastic sheets for 7 days to keep the humidity high. Lesions similar to those observed in the forests were observed on the inoculated leaves 7 to 10 days after incubation. The same fungus was re-isolated. Leaves of control plants (sprayed with sterilized water) were disease free. Conidiophores of the fungus were straight to slightly curved, erect, unbranched, septate, and pale to light brown. Conidia were formed in chains or singly with 4 to 15 pseudosepta, which were oblong oval to cylindrical, subhyaline to pale olivaceous brown, straight to curved, 14.5 to 92.3 μm long, and 3.5 to 7.1 μm wide. The fungus was morphologically identified as Corynespora cassiicola (1). DNA of the isolate was extracted, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region (which included ITS 1, 5.8S rDNA gene of rDNA, and ITS 2) was amplified with primers ITS5 and ITS4. 529 base pair (bp) of PCR product was obtained and sequenced. The sequence was compared by BLAST search to the GenBank database and showed 99% similarity to C. cassiicola (Accession No. JX087447). Our sequence was deposited into GenBank (KF669890). The biological characters of the fungus were tested. Its minimum and maximum growth temperatures on PDA were 7 and 37°C with an optimum range of 25 to 30°C. At 25°C in 100% humidity, 90% of conidia germinated after 20 h. The optimum pH for germination was 5 to 8, and the lethal temperature of conidia was 55°C. C. cassiicola has been reported causing leaf blight on Eucalyptus in India and Brazil (2,3) and causing leaf spot on Akebia trifoliate in Guangxi (4). This is the first report of this disease on Eucalyptus in China. References: (1) M. B. Ellis and P. Holliday. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, No. 303. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Surrey, UK, 1971. (2) B. P. Reis, et al. New Dis. Rep. 29:7, 2014. (3) K. I. Wilson and L. R. Devi. Ind. Phytopathol. 19:393, 1966. (4) Y. F. Ye et al. Plant Dis. 97:1659, 2013.

Design and fabrication of far ultraviolet filters based on π-multilayer technology in high-k materials

Application of π-multilayer technology is extended to high extinction coefficient materials, which is introduced into metal-dielectric filter design. Metal materials often have high extinction coefficients in far ultraviolet (FUV) region, so optical thickness of metal materials should be smaller than that of the dielectric material. A broadband FUV filter of 9-layer non-periodic Al/MgF2 multilayer was successfully designed and fabricated and it shows high reflectance in 140-180 nm, suppressed reflectance in 120-137 nm and 181-220 nm.

Molecular regulation of organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2)by taurocholic acid in Bewo Cells

To characterize the mechanisms of action of taurocholic acid(TCA) and farnesoid X receptor(FXR) on organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2(OATP1A2) expression in placental Bewo cell line. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blots were used to detect OATP1A2 in Bewo cells cultured with TCA and pcDNA3.1(+)-hFXR transfected Bewo cells after incubation with 2 mM TCA for 48 hours. TCA(0.02 mM) induced the mRNA and protein expression of OATP1A2 by 3 and 1.6 fold (p<0.05), respectively, while 0.2 and 2 mM TCA induced mRNA and protein expression by 1.5 and 1.3 fold, respectively. The concentration of TCA was negatively correlated with OATP1A2 gene expression (P<0.05). In pcDNA3.1(+)-hFXR transfected Bewo cells with 2 mM TCA demonstrated a 2-3 fold increase in OATP1A2 over controls (P<0.05). TCA is one of the regulation factors for OATP1A2 in the Bewo cell line. A low dose of TCA can induce fetal membrane expression of OATP1A2. This may present a physiological or compensatory mechanism of the placenta, while the high dose of TCA may produce a pathological or pathogenic mechanism. Farnesoid X receptor may act in synergy with TCA to increase the expression of OATP1A2. This may be a treatment strategy for fetal cholestasis.

Morphological characteristics and developmental changes of the ovary in the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann

Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is an important vector of transovarially transmitted parasites of the genus Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae). In the present study, we investigated the morphological characteristics and developmental changes of the ovary of H. longicornis. We show that the ovary of H. longicornis has a single tubular structure and is surrounded by a tunica propria. There is a longitudinal groove along one side of the ovary. During feeding and after engorgement, great changes can be observed in the ovary of H. longicornis and two rapid growth phases can be detected. The number of major protein bands of the ovary is significantly increased from day 3 of feeding and reaches a maximum on the day of engorgement. Therefore, the great diversity of proteins in the ovaries of H. longicornis can facilitate the identification of new targets for vaccine development.

MicroRNA-106b in cancer-associated fibroblasts from gastric cancer promotes cell migration and invasion by targeting PTEN

It is well established that the interaction between cancer cells and microenvironment has a critical role in tumor development, but the roles of miRNAs in this interaction are rarely known. Here, we have shown that miR-106b is up-regulated in cancer associated fibroblasts compared with normal fibroblasts established from patients with gastric cancer, the expression level of miR-106b is associated with poor prognosis of patients, and CAFs with down-regulated miR-106b could significantly inhibit gastric cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting PTEN. Taken together, these data suggest that miR-106b might be a novel candidate target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Electron density compression and oscillating effects on laser energy absorption in overdense plasma targets

An analytical model for energy absorption during the interaction of an ultrashort, ultraintense laser with an overdense plasma is proposed. Both the compression effect of the electron density profile and the oscillation of the electron plasma surface are self-consistently included, which exhibit significant influences on the laser energy absorption. Based on our model, the general scaling law of the compression effect depending on laser strength and initial density is derived, and the temporal variation of the laser absorption due to the boundary oscillating effect is presented. It is found that due to the oscillation of the electron plasma surface, the laser absorption rate will vibrate periodically at ω or 2ω frequency for the p-polarized and s-polarized laser, respectively. The effect of plasma collision on the laser absorption has also been investigated, which shows a considerable rise in absorption with increasing electron-ion collision frequency for both polarizations.

MRI and MRI 3-D reconstruction of anatomic characteristics of the cardinal and uterosacral ligaments in uterine prolapsed women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical alterations of the cardinal ligaments (CL) and uterosacral ligaments (USL) in women with uterine prolapse by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI three-dimensional reconstruction (3DR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with uterine prolapse and 40 volunteers with normal support underwent thin layer scan MRI. The 3D models were reconstructed with MRI data and 3D software. Origin, inserted end, geometric shape features of the CL and USL, were compared between the two groups, and the correlation in study group between the MRI and surgical dissection were reported.

RESULTS

In the study group, trauma was found in the USL in the insertion or origin. The dorsal USL attached to the sacrum in four (10%) patients was quite different from 12 (30%) patients of the control group. There was no significant difference in the inserted end of the USL between the two groups, nor in the origin and inserted end of the CL. In the study group, MRI and MRI 3DR better evaluated the anatomical characteristics of the USL compared to intraoperative detection via laparoscopy.

DISCUSSION

The approach using MRI and MRI 3DR can non-invasively detect the anatomic abnormality associated with the USL in uterine prolapsed women and can be a useful preoperative planning tool.

Hybrid Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanostructures with highly enhanced photocatalytic performance

A new synthetic approach has been developed to prepare silver@titanium dioxide (Ag@TiO2) core-shell nanostructures with controllable size, shape, crystal phase and function at ambient conditions (e.g. in water, ≤100 ° C). This approach shows a few unique features, including short reaction time (a few minutes) for forming core-shell nanostructures, no requirement of high temperature calcinations for generating TiO2 (e.g. at ~100 ° C in our case), tunable TiO2 shell thickness, high yield and good reproducibility. The experimental results show that the Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanostructures exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity compared to the commercial TiO2 (P25) and Ag-doped TiO2 nanocomposite in the degradation of organic dye molecules (e.g. methyl orange) with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. This could be attributed to the large surface area of TiO2 nanoparticles for maximum harvesting of UV light, mixed anatase and rutile crystalline phases in the TiO2 shell and the effective charge separation between Ag and TiO2 that can reduce the possible recombination of electron-hole (e(-)-h(+)) pairs within TiO2 generated under UV radiation. To further understand the charge separation situation within Ag-TiO2 composites, theoretical simulation (e.g. density functional theory, DFT) was employed in this study. The DFT simulation results indicate that for the Ag@TiO2 core-shell nanostructures, photo-generated electrons transfer readily from the external TiO2 layer to the internal Ag layer with heavy accumulation compared to those doping Ag on TiO2 surfaces, which may reduce the recombination of e(-)-h(+) pairs and thus enhance the photocatalytic efficiency. The findings may open a new strategy to synthesize TiO2-based photocatalysts with highly enhanced efficiency for environmental remediation applications.

Simultaneous generation of monoenergetic tunable protons and carbon ions from laser-driven nanofoils

Simultaneous generation of monoenergetic tunable protons and carbon ions from intense laser multi-component nanofoil interaction is demonstrated by using particle-in-cell simulations. It is shown that, the protons with the largest charge-to-mass ratio are instantly separated from other ion species and are efficiently accelerated in the "phase stable" way. The carbon ions always ride on the heavier oxygen ion front with an electron-filling gap between the protons and carbon ions. At the cost of widely spread oxygen ions, monoenergetic collimated protons and carbon ions are obtained simultaneously. By modulating the heavier ion densities in the foil, it is capable to control the final beam quality, which is well interpreted by a simple analytical model.

Change of selenium in environment and risk of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Scoliosis is the disease which has a long history over one century. However, the pathogenesis remains unclear at present. To demonstrate the effect of different selenium content in environment on the morbidity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study (follow-up from 1997 to 2009): compare the difference morbidity between high selenium group and the normal selenium group of AIS.

PATIENTS

9998 cases from three areas in China were participated in this study. There is different selenium content in these three areas.

RESULTS

High selenium levels were significant associated with the AIS morbidity. While low selenium level had no significant correlation with the AIS morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that high selenium content in the environment was one of risk factors for idiopathic scoliosis. We speculated that the excessive growth of the spine and the spinal cord asynchronous growth effect were key factors that high selenium content in the environment leads to scoliosis.

Dynamics of self-generated, large amplitude magnetic fields following high-intensity laser matter interaction

The dynamics of magnetic fields with an amplitude of several tens of megagauss, generated at both sides of a solid target irradiated with a high-intensity (~10(19) W/cm(2)) picosecond laser pulse, has been spatially and temporally resolved using a proton imaging technique. The amplitude of the magnetic fields is sufficiently large to have a constraining effect on the radial expansion of the plasma sheath at the target surfaces. These results, supported by numerical simulations and simple analytical modeling, may have implications for ion acceleration driven by the plasma sheath at the rear side of the target as well as for the laboratory study of self-collimated high-energy plasma jets.

Ultrasound guidance for brachial plexus block decreases the incidence of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular punctures and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with peripheral nerve stimulator in adults

BACKGROUND

The use of traditional techniques (such as landmark techniques, paresthesia and peripheral nerve stimulator) for upper-limb anesthesia has often been restricted to the expert or enthusiast, which was blind. Recently, ultrasound (US) has been applied to differ blood vessel, pleura and nerve, thus may reduce the risk of complications while have a high rate of success. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of ultrasound guidance (vs. peripheral nerve stimulator, (PNS)) decreases risk of vascular puncture, risk of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis and risk of Horner syndrome and improves the success rate of nerve block.

METHODS

A search strategy was developed to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting on complications of US and PNS guidance for upper-extremity peripheral nerve blocks (brachial plexus) in adults available through PubMed databases, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase databases, SinoMed databases and Wanfang data (date up to 2011-12-20). Two independent reviewers appraised eligible studies and extracted data. Risk ratios (OR) were calculated for each outcome and presented with 95% confidence intervals (CI) with the software of Review Manager 5.1.0 System (Cochrane Library).

RESULTS

Sixteen trials involving 1321 adults met our criteria were included for analysis. Blocks performed using US guidance were more likely to be successful (risk ratio (RR) for block success 0.36, 95%CI 0.23 - 0.56, P < 0.00001), decreased incidence of vascular puncture during block performance (RR 0.13, 95%CI 0.06 - 0.27, P < 0.00001), decreased the risk of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis (RR 0.09, 95%CI 0.03 - 0.52, P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

US decreases risks of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular puncture and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with techniques that utilize PNS for nerve localization. Larger studies are needed to determine whether or not the use of US can decrease risk of neurologic complications.

Contrasting responses of salinity-stressed salt-tolerant and intolerant winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars to ozone pollution

Contrasting winter wheat cultivars, salt-tolerant DK961 and intolerant JN17, which sown in no salinity (-S) and salinity (+S) boxes were exposed to charcoal filtered air (CF) and elevated O(3) (+O(3)) in open top chambers (OTCs) for 30 days. In -S DK961 and JN17 plants, +O(3) DK961 and JN17 plants had significantly lower light-saturated net photosynthetic rates (A(sat), 26% and 24%), stomatal conductance (g(s), 20% and 32%) and chlorophyll contents (10% and 21%), while O(3) considerably increased foliar electrolyte leakage (13% and 39%), malondialdehyde content (9% and 23%), POD activity and ABA content. However, responses of these parameters to O(3) were significant in DK961 but not in JN17 in +S treatment. Correlation coefficient of DK961 reached significance level of 0.01, but it was not significant in JN17 under interaction of O(3) and salinity. O(3)-induced reductions were larger in shoot than in root in both cultivars. Results indicate that the salt-tolerant cultivar sustained less damage from salinity than did the intolerant cultivar but was severely injured by O(3) under +S condition. Therefore, selecting for greater salt tolerance may not lead to the expected gains in yield in areas of moderate (100 mM) salinity when O(3) is present in high concentrations. In contrast, salinity-induced stomatal closure effectively reduced sensitivity to O(3) in the salt-intolerant cultivar. Hence we suggest salt-tolerant winter wheat cultivars might be well adapted to areas of high (>100 mM) salinity and O(3) stress, while intolerant cultivars might be adaptable to areas of mild/moderate salinity but high O(3) pollution.

Effects of ozone on membrane permeability and ultrastructure in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

AIMS

To examine the mechanism of ozone-induced damage to cytoplasmic membrane and cell ultrastructure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cell suspensions of Ps. aeruginosa ATCC27853 were treated with ozonated water. The leakages of cellular potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), determined by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) and a commercial bioluminescence assay kit, were to assess ozone-induced damage to the cytoplasmic membrane. Maximum leakages of K⁺ and Mg²⁺ were attained, respectively, at 0·53 mg l⁻¹ ozone after 0·5 and 2 min with > 99% inactivation of culturable bacteria, while that of ATP was achieved at 0·67 mg l⁻¹ ozone after 1 min. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that treated cells retained intact shapes and cytoplasm agglutinations and vacuoles occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Ozone inactivates Ps. aeruginosa ATCC27853 by the combined results of increased cytoplasmic membrane permeability and cytoplasm coagulation, rather than by severe membrane disruption and cell lysis.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common water-related pathogen. These insights into the leakage of cytoplasmic components and ultrastructural changes provide evidence for the mechanisms of ozone-mediated inactivation.

[Study on quality standard of oil-processed Radix Angelica sinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the quality standard of oil-processed Radix Angelica sinensis.

METHODS

Combined traditional identification, TLC and fingerprints of wine-processed Radix Angelica sinensis to control quality of oil-processed Radix Angelica sinensis. And referring to China Pharmacopoeia of 2005 edition, water, ash, and extract were also detected.

RESULTS

The content of water, total ash, extract representatively was 7.30%, 8.70% and 50.9%. Eleven fingerprint peaks were defined, The eleven common peaks were appointed as fingerprint peaks by analyzing 14 representative samples, all the fingerprint peaks were quantified grounded on the peak of Ferulic acid. and quantified rested on the peak of ferulic acid.

CONCLUSION

A multicomponent quantitative method for oil-processed Radix Angelica sinensis is established. The established method is feasible. The quality control standards of the oil-processed Radix Angelica sinensis is normative, systematic and accurate.

Using molecular markers to identify two major loci controlling carotenoid contents in maize grain

Maize is an important source of pro-vitamin A; beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, and the non-pro-vitamin A carotenoids including lutein and zeaxanthin. In the present study, a recombinant inbred (RI) population with 233 RI lines derived from a cross between By804 and B73 was employed to detect QTL for these nutritionally important components in maize grain. High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used to measure amounts of individual carotenoids over 2 years. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 201 molecular markers. In all, 31 putative QTL including 23 for individual and 8 for total carotenoids were detected on chromosome(s) 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. The notable aspect of this study was that much of the phenotypic variation in contents of carotenoids could be explained by two loci (y1 and y9), and the QTL for carotenoids elucidated the interrelationships among these compounds at the molecular level. A gene targeted marker (Y1ssr) in the candidate gene phytoene synthase 1 (psy1) tightly linked to a major QTL explaining 6.6-27.2% phenotypic variation for levels of carotenoids was identified, which may prove useful to expedite breeding for higher level of carotenoids in maize grain. This functionally characterized gene (psy1) could also be exploited for further development of functional marker for carotenoids in maize. The QTL cluster located at y9 locus may also be used for pyramiding favorable alleles controlling contents of carotenoids from diverse maize germplasm.

Fluorescence pH probe based on microstructured polymer optical fiber

A kind of optical pH sensor was demonstrated that is based on a pH-sensitive fluorescence dye-doped (eosin) cellulose acetate (CA) thin-film modified microstructured polymer optical fiber (MPOF). It was obtained by directly inhaling an eosin-CA-acetic acid mixed solution into array holes in a MPOF and then removing the solvent (acetic acid). The sensing film showed different fluorescence intensities to different pH solutions in a pH range of 2.5-4.5. Furthermore, the pH response range could be tailored through doping a surfactant, hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), in the sensing film.

Nestin expression in different tumours and its relevance to malignant grade

BACKGROUND

Nestin, an intermediate filament (IF) protein, is expressed in proliferating progenitor cells of developmental and regenerating tissues, and is identified as a neuroepithelial precursor cell marker. Recently, nestin was detected in some neoplasms such as glioma, ependymoma, melanoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), and testicular stromal tumour. Moreover, the expression intensity of nestin exhibited significant correlation with the malignant grade of glioma.

AIMS

To detect the expression of nestin in different tumours and to analyse the relationship between the expression of nestin and the malignant grade of the tumours.

METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded surgical samples of neoplastic tissues were obtained from the Department of Pathology of Sun Yat-sen University. Histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining for nestin were performed. Histoscores were analysed by semi-quantitative evaluation.

RESULTS

Nestin was expressed predominantly in the cytoplasm of angiosarcoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma and GIST samples, and some tumour cells expressed in the nucleus. There was a statistically significant difference between the histoscore of nestin in high malignant GIST (2.2366 (0.6920)) and that in low malignant GIST (1.3783 (0.4268)) (p = 0.003); and also between that in high malignant angiosarcoma (1.9188 (0.2069)) and that in low malignant angiosarcoma (0.6474 (0.3273)) (p = 0.000). Cavernous angioma did not express nestin. The histoscore of nestin in high malignant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (7/14) was 1.1767 (0.4676), and that in low malignant pancreatic adenocarcinoma (3/8) was 0.6577 (0.0056) (no significant difference, p = 0.112).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that the expression of nestin may play an important role in the development of some neoplasms such as GIST and angiosarcoma.

Postoperative Programmed Muscle Tension Augmented Osteotendinous Junction Repair

The postoperative programmed muscle tension induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) was evaluated for its potential efficacy on acceleration of osteotendinous junction healing using an established partial patellectomy model in rabbits. After immobilization of the operated knee for 6 weeks, daily FES was applied to quadriceps muscles for 30 minutes per day and 5 days per week for 6 weeks in the treatment group and compared with the non-treatment control group at postoperative week 12 and 18, radiologically, histologically and biomechanically. Results showed that FES-induced muscle tension significantly increased new bone formation, bone mineral density, and fibrocartilage zone restoration in the osteotendinous healing interface. The failure load and ultimate strength of the repairing osteotendinous complex were also improved significantly with healing over time. In conclusion, the postoperative programmed FES-induced muscle tension was favorable for acceleration of osteotendinous junction repair and therefore recommended for clinical trails in orthopedic sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Managerial attitudes on the development of health promoting hospitals in Beijing

In 2002, the Beijing Committee for Disease Prevention launched guidelines based on the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion on health promoting hospitals (HPHs). HPH pilot projects were then initiated, on a voluntary basis, in 44 Beijing hospitals. Evaluations have been undertaken to assess the impacts of the pilot project. This article outlines this HPH project, its development and evaluation and reports on the attitudes and contribution of hospital management as determined by questionnaires and interviews from 281 managerial employees from 106 Beijing hospitals (93 from pilot hospitals and 188 from control). The results of the evaluation indicate that long-term health promotion planning and health promotion specialized funds have been better established in pilot hospitals than in the control group and also that the concept of HPH is better understood by managerial staff in pilot hospitals than by those in control hospitals. The main perceived barriers faced in the development of HPH are shortages of funds, personnel, time management and professional skills. To further develop HPHs in China, effort needs to be made to ensure that hospital leaders and management are considered first. If managerial staff have an appropriate understanding of the concept and principles of HPH, then it is more likely that health promotion activities can be introduced into the daily workings of hospitals, and the necessary funds, personnel and training on health promotion skills be provided.

A time-temperature rheological study of konjac glucomannan hydrocolloid

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is one of the most versatile soluble biomaterials having wide-ranging applications. The shear storage, G', and loss, G", moduli of this hydrocolloid were recorded as functions of angular frequency varying from 0.1 to 100.0 rad/s and temperature from 5 to 50 degrees C. It was found that both G' and G" mainly increase with angular frequency in the range from 0.1 to 100 rad/s. As the temperature increases from 5 to 95 degrees C, the values of G' and G" decrease. A novel criterion for the thermorheologically simple material, and a procedure to calculate the shift factor from the angular frequency sweep and temperature ramp data were presented. By these methods, the KGM hydrocolloid is found to obey the TTS principle as log G" and log G' are less than 1.529 and 1.436, respectively. The Williams-Landel-Ferry equation can describe the shift factor of the KGM hydrocolloid.